In a shocking move, Egypt’s Parliament has approved a new amendment to the Criminal Procedure Law that allows the families of murder victims to pardon the killer, leading to a reduced sentence. The proposal, put forward by Dr. Ali Gomaa, head of the Religious Affairs Committee in Parliament, was justified as a way to curb revenge killings in Egypt.

What the Law Says

The newly approved article states that before a final court ruling, the victim’s heirs or their legal representative can officially confirm reconciliation. If they do, the punishment for the killer will be reduced under Article 17 of the Penal Code. The amendment applies to premeditated and intentional murder cases under Articles 213, 223, 234, 235, and 236 (first and second paragraphs) of the Penal Code.

The Problem: Justice Becomes a Negotiation

While the law is being presented as a way to prevent cycles of revenge killings, it dangerously turns murder cases into a matter of negotiation. This could mean that powerful and wealthy killers can pressure victims’ families into accepting reconciliation, effectively allowing them to escape harsh punishment.

Even worse, this law could open the door for honor killings to go unpunished. In cases where a woman is killed by her own family under the pretext of “honor,” this amendment could allow those same family members to “forgive” themselves—removing any real consequences.

Justice Shouldn’t Be for Sale

Reducing violence in society is important, but justice cannot be selective. A law that effectively allows some murderers to get a lighter sentence simply because the victim’s family agrees is a dangerous loophole—one that will likely benefit the rich, the powerful, and those who can manipulate the system.